Let’s not sugarcoat it: self-doubt is a bully. It whispers that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough, and sometimes, it screams so loud that you actually start to believe it. I get it—it’s exhausting.
But here’s the thing: self-doubt only wins if you let it. And I’m not about to let that happen. You’re here because you’re tired of doubting yourself, and you want a way out. Good news? It’s 100% possible. Let’s break down how to finally kick self-doubt to the curb.
Self-doubt thrives in silence. The more you ignore it, the more power it has. The first step to breaking free is naming it. Write down the exact thoughts running through your head: “I’m not smart enough to get this job,” or “I’ll never be as good as them.”
Why This Works: When you name your doubts, you see them for what they really are—just thoughts, not facts.
Practical Tip: Use a journal to brain-dump every self-doubt thought that’s holding you back. Then, next to each one, write a rebuttal like, “Actually, I’m fully qualified, and here’s why.” (Need help getting started? My Journal Template can help.)
2. Stop Comparing Your Chapter 1 to Someone Else’s Chapter 20
Look, I know it’s tempting to scroll and think, “Wow, they’ve got it all figured out, and I’m over here barely holding it together.” But you don’t see the years of hard work, failures, and late nights behind that shiny Instagram feed. Comparison is the thief of joy—and confidence.
What to Do Instead: Focus on your own progress. Measure your growth against where you were last year, last month, or even last week.
Mantra to Remember: Their success doesn’t take away from yours.
3. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Self-doubt loves to keep you in your comfort zone. It says, “Don’t apply for that job,” or “Don’t speak up—you’ll embarrass yourself.” But here’s the truth: you can’t grow if you’re not willing to get uncomfortable.
Why This Works: Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you prove to yourself that you’re stronger than your doubts.
Challenge: This week, do one thing that scares you. Start small—like speaking up in a meeting or sharing your work online.
4. Build Evidence Against Your Doubts
You’ve done hard things before—don’t let self-doubt make you forget that. The best way to shut it up is to build a case against it.
How to Do It: Create a “wins list.” Write down every accomplishment, big or small, that you’re proud of. Got an A on that project? Write it down. Managed to get out of bed and function on a tough day? Write it down.
Why It Works: Evidence doesn’t lie. When you see all the amazing things you’ve already done, your doubts lose credibility.
5. Surround Yourself with Voices That Lift You Up
Your environment matters. If you’re constantly around people who doubt you or don’t believe in your dreams, it’s no wonder your self-doubt is thriving. Start spending time with people who remind you of your worth.
What to Do:
- Identify who in your life makes you feel supported and spend more time with them.
- Cut back on time spent with people who drain your confidence.
6. Treat Yourself Like You’d Treat Your Best Friend
Think about it: you’d never tell your best friend she’s not good enough, so why are you doing it to yourself? If you wouldn’t say it to her, don’t say it to yourself.
Practical Tip: When self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself, “What would I say to my best friend if she felt this way?” Then, say that to yourself—out loud if you need to.
7. Remember: Confidence Comes From Action
Here’s the kicker: you don’t need to feel confident to take action. You just need to take action. Confidence is built when you prove to yourself that you can do hard things.
Practical Tip: Stop overthinking and just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen.
Self-doubt doesn’t define you unless you let it. The next time it shows up, you’ll know exactly how to shut it down. Start small—pick one strategy from this list and put it into practice today.
And if you want to track your progress and build that evidence against your doubts, check out my Journal Template. It’s designed to help you sort through your thoughts and focus on the positives.
You’ve got everything you need to succeed—it’s time to start believing it.
